Throat cancer

Symptoms and causes

Origin

It can occur in different areas of the neck, mouth and throat areas, and it can cause extensive symptoms (with the tonsils, tongue and vocal cords).

Symptoms

Possible complaints include:

hoarseness
swallowing problems
pain
losing weight
...

These symptoms are also quite common with benign conditions.

Risk factors

The most common risk factors for throat cancer are smoking and frequent alcohol consumption.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis

Your physician will peform a clinical examination using laryngoscopy and, if necessary, will do a further work-up (ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, PET-CT). An endoscopy with biopsy under anaesthesia, performed at the outpatient hospital, may be indicated in order to examine the throat cancer.

The results are also discussed with a multidisciplinary team (ENT physicians, oncologists, radiologists, radiation therapists and anatomic pathologists). The most appropriate treatment (radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery) will then be discusssed with you, and you will receive close follow-up monitoring.

Treatment centres and specialisations

Ear, nose, and throat diseases (ENT)

ENT, otorhinolaryngology, ORL

Latest publication date: 13/12/2023
Supervising author: Dr Vermeiren Judith